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Detroit Tigers' Joel Hanrahan shut down from latest bullpen session, still working to build arm strength

Joel Hanrahan

Former Boston Red Sox reliever Joel Hanrahan delivers a pitch during an exhibition game against the Minnesota Twins in Fort Myers, Fla. Hanrahan agreed to a one-year deal with the Detroit Tigers in early May.
(AP File Photo)

DETROIT -- Joel Hanrahan didn't exactly suffer a setback, but it appears the Tigers' newly signed reliever was asked to take a step back earlier this week.

Hanrahan was recently shut down from his second bullpen session and has resumed a long toss program, Tigers head athletic trainer Kevin Rand said Friday.

"We decided to have him throw long toss because I think he needs to build up his arm strength before we put him back on the mound," Rand said.

Hanrahan is expected to throw long toss for a week and will then be re-evaluated. If all keeps progressing normally, he could hold a bullpen session next week.

"We shut down the second session because he was having issues in trying to finish pitches," Rand said. "He just doesn't have enough arm strength yet."

Hanrahan, who has been sidelined since last May after tearing a flexor tendon that required Tommy John surgery, signed a one-year deal with the Tigers in early May. He was placed him on the 15-day disabled list and has rehabbed in Lakeland.

The Tigers haven't offered a time frame as to when the two-time All-Star may be able to join the team, but Hanrahan's agent, Larry Reynolds, suggested in early May that a return in mid-June could be possible.

However, given Hanrahan's latest step back, it would appear an arrival in late June or early July may seem more reasonable at this point.

Injury updates

-- Tigers shortstop Jose Iglesias continues to rehab at his home in Miami. He is expected to undergo an MRI test in late June. The Tigers do not expect Iglesias to rejoin the team this year, but they haven't completely ruled out the possibility.

-- Tigers starting pitcher Anibal Sanchez (middle finger laceration) remains on track to rejoin the team Sunday and make his first start since April 26. "There's no issue," Rand said. "He's looking fine and he should be fine."

-- Andy Dirks, who is currently on the 60-day disabled list after undergoing back surgery in March, continues to take dry swings and has increased his baseball-related activities. He remains on track to return in June.